How have I got herpes?

There are several possibilities. Your partner may be an asymptomatic carrier and you contracted the virus when your resistance was low...

Question

My partner and I have been together for 21 years and neither of us has had an affair.

However, about three years ago I had an outbreak of genital herpes and subsequently two more outbreaks since.

I know that the virus can be harboured in the body for several years before causing an outbreak, but it seems strange that if I had contracted the virus from a former partner all those years ago that I did not have an episode of herpes until 3 years ago. My partner does not have it.

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My question: three and half years ago I had major back surgery and a blood transfusion was necessary – is it possible that I have contracted the genital herpes virus via a blood transfusion?

Answer

Thank you for this very interesting question.

The answer to your question is 'no'. Let me be a little more helpful.

Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). Cold sores around the mouth are caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1).

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However, HSV-1 may sometimes also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 may lie dormant for many years, although in women the primary infection is more severe and recurrences are inevitable.

Men can be asymptomatic carriers for many years, certainly 20 years. It is thought a remarkably high percentage of the population are.

I think it is possible that your operation may have significance, although I do not think you caught the virus from the blood transfusion.

At that time your general immune resistance may have been lowered sufficiently for you to have contracted the viral condition, giving rise to the subsequent infections.

There are several possibilities. Your partner may be an asymptomatic carrier and you contracted the virus when your resistance was low.

Alternatively if either you or your partner have had HSV-1 cold sores around the mouth and you have had oral sex, this could explain the onset of the problem.

If you want to discuss this further do ring your local hospital's genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic who, I am sure will be very helpful.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.

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